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View synonyms for theoretical

theoretical

[ thee-uh-ret-i-kuhl ]

adjective

  1. of, relating to, or consisting in theory; not practical ( applied ).
  2. existing only in theory; hypothetical.
  3. given to, forming, or dealing with theories; speculative.


theoretical

/ ˌθɪəˈrɛtɪkəl; ˌθɪəˈrɛtɪk /

adjective

  1. of or based on theory
  2. lacking practical application or actual existence; hypothetical
  3. using or dealing in theory; impractical


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Derived Forms

  • ˌtheoˈretically, adverb

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Other Words From

  • the·o·ret·i·cal·ly adverb
  • an·ti·the·o·ret·i·cal adjective
  • non·the·o·ret·ic adjective
  • non·the·o·ret·i·cal adjective
  • un·the·o·ret·ic adjective
  • un·the·o·ret·i·cal adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of theoretical1

First recorded in 1610–20; theoretic, from Late Latin theōrēticus, from Greek theōrētikós, equivalent to theōrēt(ós) “to be seen” (verbal adjective derived from theōreîn “to view”) + -ikos -ic; -al 1

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Example Sentences

What had seemed to be a theoretical and almost mythical project is just about to take concrete form.

The renowned theoretical physicist has for years been a proponent of real-life, NASA-led interstellar travel.

In a large society, there is just no way, no theoretical way, to choose, to elect, normal people.

Dr. Katherine (Katie) Mack is a theoretical astrophysicist at Melbourne University and has written for Slate, Time, and elsewhere.

But, until you advance some relevant theoretical claim a photo is just a photo—it is not “evidence.”

There is also a night-class for those working in the daytime who desire to extend their theoretical knowledge.

He was the advocate of experimental rather than theoretical systems of medicine, and early adopted the practice of inoculation.

Hence the theoretical and abstract character which they wear in the writings of Warburton and others.

In a three-span bridge the theoretical advantage of continuity is about 49% for a dead load and 16% for a live load.

These are shown in Fig. 136, a theoretical restoration of the Marcellus theater mentioned above.

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